Chelsea’s board are prepared to sack Maurizio Sarri if and when it becomes apparent that the club will not qualify for the Champions League next season. Heavy defeats against Bournemouth and Manchester City have applied serious pressure on the Italian’s position at Stamford Bridge.
Their 6-0 defeat at the Etihad meant Chelsea dropped into sixth in the Premier League table and have a goal difference of just +16. Chelsea remain in the hunt for the top four and have a second chance to force entry into next season’s Champions League by winning the Europa League, where they face Malmo at the last-32 stage.
However, should the Blues be knocked out of the competition and continue to falter in the league, Chelsea’s board are prepared to sack Sarri to rescue their season according to the Times. It was made clear to Sarri when he took the job last season that his objective was to reinstate the club into Europe’s elite competition and Roman Abramovich will not stomach a second season outside of it. The Blues face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley at the end of the month but a victory in that would not save Sarri’s job if the club’s Champions League hopes diminish.
Chelsea flew to Sweden today as they prepare for their tie against Malmo. The Blues are without Ruben Loftus-Cheek due to a back issue, while Marcos Alonso has been rested.